Arcam To Offer Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2 In AVRs

Another high-end niche-audio supplier is following mainstream companies in offering audio/video receivers with object-based surround decoding and the latest HDMI technologies that pass through copy-protected 60 fps Ultra HD video with high dynamic range (HDR).

The latest company is U.K.-based hi-fi company Arcam, which unveiled its first two AVRs with Dolby Atmos object-based surround, DTS:X upgradability, HDMI 2.0a, and HDCP 2.2 copy protection. Last week, AudioControl announced its first such AVRs, and at this week’s CEDIA Expo, at least three other high-end suppliers will add their names to the list.

Arcam’s two AVRs, marketed in the U.S. by The Sound Organisation, are the $6,000 AVR850 and $3,400 AVR550, both shipping late November. They will be joined by a new two-channel stereo receiver, the $3,600 SR250. It also features HDR-capable HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 copy protection but lacks surround processing. It also ships late November.

The three products will be displayed at the Sound Organisation’s Dallas offices during this week’s Expo.

All three receivers incorporate Dirac Research’s Dirac Live room-correction technology.

The two AVRs feature seven HDMI 2.0a inputs, all with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. They also feature two main-room HDMI outputs, one for a projector and one for a flat-panel display. Both AVRs also feature a second-zone HDMI output. Both networked models feature DLNA, Spotify Connect, and IR, IP and RS-232 integration into home-control systems.

Though the two AVRs feature seven-channel amps, they process up to 7.1.4 Atmos soundtracks and accept outboard amplifiers to reproduce all 11.1 channels.

Arcam’s new SR250 stereo receiver, rated at 2 by 120 watts into 8 ohms, offers the same connectivity, network and home-control-integration features as the AVRs.

The Sound Organisation imports and markets a variety of hi-fi brands, including Arcam, Dali, Chord and Rega.